U.S. patent application number 16/898219 was filed with the patent office on 2020-12-03 for polycrystalline diamond linear bearings.
The applicant listed for this patent is XR DOWNHOLE, LLC. Invention is credited to William W. King, David P. Miess, Gregory Prevost, Michael R. Reese.
Application Number | 20200378440 16/898219 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005022792 |
Filed Date | 2020-12-03 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200378440 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Prevost; Gregory ; et
al. |
December 3, 2020 |
POLYCRYSTALLINE DIAMOND LINEAR BEARINGS
Abstract
Linear bearings assemblies are provided that include
polycrystalline diamond bearing surfaces that are engaged with
diamond solvent-catalyst bearing. Also provided are methods of
making and using linear bearing assemblies.
Inventors: |
Prevost; Gregory; (Spring,
TX) ; King; William W.; (Houston, TX) ; Miess;
David P.; (Spring, TX) ; Reese; Michael R.;
(HOUSTON, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
XR DOWNHOLE, LLC |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005022792 |
Appl. No.: |
16/898219 |
Filed: |
June 10, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16049631 |
Jul 30, 2018 |
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16898219 |
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16425758 |
May 29, 2019 |
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16049631 |
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16049588 |
Jul 30, 2018 |
10465775 |
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16425758 |
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16049608 |
Jul 30, 2018 |
10738821 |
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16049588 |
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16049617 |
Jul 30, 2018 |
10760615 |
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16049608 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16C 29/02 20130101;
F16C 2206/04 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F16C 29/02 20060101
F16C029/02 |
Claims
1. A linear bearing assembly, the assembly comprising: a linear
bearing comprising a body having a surface; a polycrystalline
diamond bearing element coupled with the surface, wherein the
polycrystalline diamond bearing element has a polycrystalline
diamond bearing surface; an opposing component, the opposing
component having an opposing bearing surface thereon, the opposing
bearing surface comprising a material containing at least 2 weight
percent of diamond solvent-catalyst based on a total weight of the
material; wherein the linear bearing is movably coupled with the
opposing component such that the polycrystalline diamond bearing
surface is engaged with the diamond solvent-catalyst.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the polycrystalline diamond
bearing surface has a surface finish of less than 5 .mu.in.
3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the opposing bearing surface is
hardened, plated, coated, or cladded.
4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the material of the opposing
bearing surface comprises from 5 to 100 wt. % of the diamond
solvent-catalyst based on the total weight of the material.
5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the diamond solvent-catalyst
comprises iron, cobalt, nickel, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium,
chromium, manganese, copper, titanium, or tantalum.
6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the material of the opposing
bearing surface is softer than a superhard material.
7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the linear bearing assembly is
lubricated.
8. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the linear bearing assembly is
non-lubricated.
9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the polycrystalline diamond
bearing surface is in direct contact with the opposing bearing
surface.
10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein a fluid film is positioned
between the polycrystalline diamond bearing surface and the
opposing bearing surface.
11. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the polycrystalline diamond
bearing surface is flush with the surface of the body.
12. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the polycrystalline diamond
bearing surface is raised above the surface of the body.
13. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the polycrystalline diamond
bearing surface is planar, convex, or concave.
14. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the polycrystalline diamond
bearing element is positioned such the surface of the body is
maintained in a spaced-apart relationship from the opposing bearing
surface.
15. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the polycrystalline diamond
bearing element is raised above the surface of the body, and
wherein the opposing bearing surface is a concavity in the opposing
component.
16. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the body of the linear bearing
has a second opposing bearing surface thereon, wherein the opposing
component has a second polycrystalline diamond bearing element
thereon, and wherein a polycrystalline diamond bearing surface of
the second polycrystalline diamond bearing element is engaged with
the second opposing bearing surface.
17. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the linear bearing is a hollow
cylinder with the surface of the body defining the annulus of the
hollow cylinder, wherein the opposing component is a tubular
positioned within the annulus of the hollow cylinder, and wherein
the outer surface of the tubular is the opposing bearing surface
thereon.
18. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the opposing component is a
hollow cylinder with the opposing bearing surface defining the
annulus of the hollow cylinder, wherein the linear bearing is a
tubular positioned within the annulus of the hollow cylinder, and
wherein the outer surface of the tubular is the surface of the
body.
19. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the polycrystalline diamond
bearing element has at least one curved or beveled edge.
20. A method of bearing load, the method comprising: providing a
linear bearing comprising a body having a surface and a
polycrystalline diamond bearing element coupled with the surface,
wherein the polycrystalline diamond bearing element has a
polycrystalline diamond bearing surface; providing an opposing
component having an opposing bearing surface thereon, the opposing
bearing surface comprising a material containing at least 2 weight
percent of diamond solvent-catalyst based on a total weight of the
material; movably coupling the linear bearing with the opposing
component such that the polycrystalline diamond bearing surface is
engaged with the diamond solvent-catalyst.
21. A linear bearing assembly, the assembly comprising: a linear
bearing comprising a body having a surface; a plurality of
polycrystalline diamond bearing elements coupled with the surface,
wherein each polycrystalline diamond bearing element has a
polycrystalline diamond bearing surface; an opposing component, the
opposing component having an opposing bearing surface thereon, the
opposing bearing surface comprising a material containing at least
2 weight percent of diamond solvent-catalyst based on a total
weight of the material; wherein the linear bearing is movably
coupled with the opposing component such that the polycrystalline
diamond bearing surfaces are engaged with the diamond
solvent-catalyst.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is Continuation-in-Part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 16/049,631 (pending), entitled "Roller
Ball Assembly with Superhard Elements", filed on Jul. 30, 2018. The
present application is also a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 16/425,758 (pending), entitled "Material
Treatments for Diamond-on-Diamond Reactive Material Bearing
Engagements, filed on May 29, 2019, which is itself a
Continuation-in-Part of: U.S. patent application Ser. Nos.
6/049,588, filed on Jul. 30, 2018, now issued as U.S. Pat. No.
10,465,775; Ser. Nos. 16/049,608 (pending), filed on Jul. 30, 2018;
and 16/049,617 (pending) filed on Jul. 30, 2018. The entireties of
each of U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 16/425,758; 16/049,588;
16/049,608; 16/049,617; and 6/049,631 are incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates to linear bearings that
include polycrystalline diamond bearing surfaces, to apparatus and
systems including the same, and to methods of making and using the
same.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Linear bearings are employed in myriad applications
including, but not limited to, machine tool ways, precision
positioning tables, robotics, additive manufacturing printers,
transfer shuttles, food processing equipment, and semi-conductor
manufacturing. Linear bearings are typically in the form of slide
bearings or roller ball guide bearings. Frequently, roller ball
guide bearings are preferred because they typically offer a lower
coefficient of friction in use.
[0004] Both slide bearings and roller ball guide bearings may be
lubricated or non-lubricated. In many instances, non-lubricated
linear bearings exhibit resistance to movement at start-up due to
friction, which negatively affects the precision of movement.
However, employing lubrication to reduce friction in linear
bearings can create a need for ongoing maintenance. The lubrication
can further become a trap for contamination.
[0005] Many prior art linear bearings use recirculating balls.
Recirculating ball type bearings are capable of handling a
reciprocating cylindrical shaft that may exhibit rotational
movement in combination with linear reciprocation. Recirculating
ball bearings require a high number of precision roller balls and
complex ball travel channels to function properly. In linear
bearings where the roller balls are the primary load bearing
structure point, loading on the roller balls and against the
opposing surface is problematic.
[0006] Some references that provide relevant background in relation
to linear bearings are U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,693,396; 3,603,652;
5,193,363; 4,428,627; 9,222,515; and 5,618,114.
[0007] When polycrystalline diamond (PCD) elements are used in
moving parts, typically both the engagement surface and the
opposing engagement surface are composed of polycrystalline
diamond. This is, at least in part, because thermally stable
polycrystalline diamond (TSP), either supported or unsupported by
tungsten carbide, and polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) have
been considered as contraindicated for use in the machining of
diamond reactive materials. Diamond reactive materials include
metals, metal alloys, composites, hardfacings, coatings, or
platings that contain more than trace amounts of diamond catalyst
or solvent elements (also referred to as diamond solvent-catalysts
or diamond catalyst-solvents) including iron, cobalt, nickel,
ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, chromium, manganese, copper,
titanium, or tantalum. Further, this prior contraindication of the
use of polycrystalline diamond extends to so called "superalloys",
including iron-based, cobalt-based and nickel-based superalloys
containing more than trace amounts of diamond catalyst or solvent
elements. At certain surface speeds in moving parts, load and
attendant temperature generated, such as at a cutting tip, often
exceeds the graphitization temperature of diamond (i.e., about
700.degree. C.), which can, in the presence of diamond catalyst or
solvent elements, lead to rapid wear and failure of components.
Without being bound by theory, the specific failure mechanism is
believed to result from the chemical interaction of the carbon
bearing diamond with the carbon attracting material that is being
machined. An exemplary reference concerning the contraindication of
polycrystalline diamond for diamond catalyst or solvent containing
metal or alloy machining is U.S. Pat. No. 3,745,623. The
contraindication of polycrystalline diamond for machining diamond
catalyst or diamond solvent containing materials has long caused
the avoidance of the use of polycrystalline diamond in all
contacting applications with such materials.
[0008] It would be desirable to have a linear bearing that exhibits
a low coefficient of friction during use, has a long life, is less
subject to point loading, is able to withstand contamination
without an unacceptable increase in wear, and does not necessarily
require lubrication.
BRIEF SUMMARY
[0009] Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a linear
bearing assembly. The assembly includes a linear bearing having a
body with a surface. A polycrystalline diamond bearing element is
coupled with the surface. The polycrystalline diamond bearing
element has a polycrystalline diamond bearing surface. The assembly
includes an opposing component having an opposing bearing surface
thereon. The opposing bearing surface has a material containing at
least 2 weight percent of diamond solvent-catalyst based on a total
weight of the material. The linear bearing is movably coupled with
the opposing component such that the polycrystalline diamond
bearing surface is engaged with the diamond solvent-catalyst.
[0010] Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a method
of bearing load. The method includes providing a linear bearing
that has a body with a surface and a polycrystalline diamond
bearing element coupled with the surface. The polycrystalline
diamond bearing element has a polycrystalline diamond bearing
surface. The method includes providing an opposing component that
has an opposing bearing surface thereon. The opposing bearing
surface includes a material containing at least 2 weight percent of
diamond solvent-catalyst based on a total weight of the material.
The method includes movably coupling the linear bearing with the
opposing component such that the polycrystalline diamond bearing
surface is engaged with the diamond solvent-catalyst.
[0011] Some embodiments of the present disclosure include a linear
bearing assembly. The assembly includes a linear bearing having a
body with a surface. A plurality of polycrystalline diamond bearing
elements are coupled with the surface. Each polycrystalline diamond
bearing element has a polycrystalline diamond bearing surface. The
assembly includes an opposing component that has an opposing
bearing surface thereon. The opposing bearing surface includes a
material containing at least 2 weight percent of diamond
solvent-catalyst based on a total weight of the material. The
linear bearing is movably coupled with the opposing component such
that the polycrystalline diamond bearing surfaces are engaged with
the diamond solvent-catalyst.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] So that the manner in which the features and advantages of
the systems, apparatus, and/or methods of the present disclosure
may be understood in more detail, a more particular description
briefly summarized above may be had by reference to the embodiments
thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings that form a
part of this specification. It is to be noted, however, that the
drawings illustrate only various exemplary embodiments and are
therefore not to be considered limiting of the disclosed concepts
as it may include other effective embodiments as well.
[0013] FIG. 1A is a top view of a polycrystalline diamond bearing
element.
[0014] FIG. 1B is a top view of a linear bearing having a plurality
of polycrystalline diamond bearing elements thereon.
[0015] FIG. 1C is a side view of a polycrystalline diamond bearing
element.
[0016] FIG. 1D is a side view of a linear bearing, having a
plurality of polycrystalline diamond bearing elements thereon,
engaged with an opposing bearing surface.
[0017] FIG. 2A is a top view of a linear bearing having a plurality
of polycrystalline diamond bearing elements thereon.
[0018] FIG. 2B is a side view of the linear bearing of FIG. 2B
engaged with an opposing bearing surface.
[0019] FIG. 3A depicts a linear bearing having polycrystalline
diamond bearing elements on multiple surfaces thereof
[0020] FIG. 3B depicts a linear bearing having polycrystalline
diamond bearing elements on multiple surfaces thereof
[0021] FIG. 4A depicts a linear bearing having polycrystalline
diamond bearing elements on multiple surfaces thereof
[0022] FIG. 4B is another view of the linear bearing of FIG.
4A.
[0023] FIG. 5A is a side view of a linear bearing, having a single
row of polycrystalline diamond bearing elements thereon, engaged
with an opposing engagement surface.
[0024] FIG. 5B is a top view of the linear bearing of FIG. 5A.
[0025] FIG. 6A is a side view of a linear bearing assembly having
multiple rows of polycrystalline diamond bearing elements engaged
with opposing engagement surfaces.
[0026] FIG. 6B is a top view of a portion of the linear bearing of
FIG. 6A.
[0027] FIG. 7A is an end view of a cylindrical linear bearing
assembly having multiple polycrystalline diamond bearing elements
thereon engaged with an opposing engagement surface of a
tubular.
[0028] FIG. 7B is a side, cross-sectional view of the linear
bearing assembly of FIG. 7A.
[0029] FIGS. 8A-8E depict various embodiments of polycrystalline
diamond bearing elements having different surface contours.
[0030] FIGS. 9A-9D depict a continuous sleeve bearing in accordance
with the present disclosure.
[0031] FIGS. 10A-10D depict an open continuous sleeve bearing in
accordance with the present disclosure.
[0032] Systems, apparatus, and methods according to present
disclosure will now be described more fully with reference to the
accompanying drawings, which illustrate various exemplary
embodiments. Concepts according to the present disclosure may,
however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be
construed as being limited by the illustrated embodiments set forth
herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this
disclosure will be thorough as well as complete and will fully
convey the scope of the various concepts to those skilled in the
art and the best and preferred modes of practice.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure include linear
bearings that include polycrystalline diamond bearing surfaces,
apparatus and systems that include such linear bearings, and
methods of making and using such linear bearings. In some
embodiments, the linear bearings disclosed herein are lubricated
bearings. In other embodiments, the linear bearings disclosed
herein are non-lubricated bearings.
[0034] The linear bearings disclosed herein include one or more
polycrystalline diamond bearing elements thereon. Each
polycrystalline diamond bearing element provides a diamond bearing
surface (also referred to as an "engagement surface") of the linear
bearing. Depending on the desired configuration, the diamond
bearing surface may be a flat surface or a curved surface (e.g.,
concave or convex). In at least some embodiments, the diamond
engagement surface is engaged with an opposing bearing surface
(also referred to as an "opposing engagement surface"), where the
opposing bearing surface is a diamond reactive material.
Interfacing Polycrystalline Diamond with Diamond Reactive
Materials
[0035] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides for
interfacing the contact between a diamond bearing surface of a
linear bearing and an opposing bearing surface that includes a
diamond solvent-catalyst surface. For example, the polycrystalline
diamond surface may be positioned and arranged on or as a bearing
surface in a linear bearing for sliding and/or rolling contact with
the diamond solvent-catalyst surface. As used herein, "engagement
surface" or "bearing surface" refers to the surface of a material
or component (e.g., polycrystalline diamond or diamond reactive
material) that is positioned and arranged within a linear bearing
such that, in operation of the linear bearing, the "engagement
surface" or "bearing surface" interfaces the contact between two
components. In some embodiments, the diamond bearing surface
disclosed herein is in direct contact with an opposing bearing
surface (i.e., boundary lubrication), without a fluid film
therebetween. In some embodiments, a fluid film may develop (i.e.,
hydrodynamic lubrication) between the diamond bearing surface and
the opposing bearing surface such that the surfaces are not
directly in contact with one another, but are engaged through the
fluid film. In some aspects, the contact between the diamond
bearing surface and opposing bearing surface is between (or a
mixture of) direct contact and fluid film (i.e., mixed boundary
lubrication).
Diamond Bearing Surface
[0036] In some embodiments, the polycrystalline diamond surfaces
disclosed herein are surfaces of polycrystalline diamond elements
that are coupled with or otherwise incorporated into or with a
linear bearing. In some embodiments, the polycrystalline diamond
elements are positioned to be flush with a surface of the linear
bearing. In other embodiments, the polycrystalline diamond elements
are positioned to be raised above the surface of the linear
bearing. In other embodiments, the polycrystalline diamond elements
are positioned to be recessed below the surface of the linear
bearing. In some embodiments, the polycrystalline diamond elements
are static relative to the surface of the linear bearing. In other
embodiments, the polycrystalline diamond elements are movable
(e.g., compliant) relative to the surface of the linear bearing.
The polycrystalline diamond elements disclosed herein may be or
include thermally stable polycrystalline diamond, either supported
or unsupported by tungsten carbide, or polycrystalline diamond
compact (PDC). In certain applications, the polycrystalline diamond
elements disclosed herein have increased cobalt content transitions
layers between the outer polycrystalline diamond surface and a
supporting tungsten carbide slug. The polycrystalline diamond
elements may be supported by tungsten carbide, or may be
unsupported, "standalone" polycrystalline diamond elements that are
mounted directly to a linear bearing. The polycrystalline diamond
elements may by non-leached, leached, leached and backfilled,
thermally stable, coated via chemical vapor deposition (CVD), or
processed in various ways as known in the art.
[0037] In some embodiments, the engagement surfaces of the
polycrystalline diamond elements disclosed herein are planar,
convex, or concave. In some embodiments, the polycrystalline
diamond elements have beveled edges. The polycrystalline diamond
elements may have diameters as small as 3 mm (about 1/8'') or as
large as 75 mm (about 3''), depending on the application.
Typically, the polycrystalline diamond elements have diameters
between 8 mm (about 5/16'') and 25 mm (about 1'').
[0038] Although the polycrystalline diamond elements are most
commonly available in cylindrical shapes, it is understood that the
technology of the application may be practiced with polycrystalline
diamond elements that are square, rectangular, oval, any of the
shapes described herein with reference to the Figures, or any other
appropriate shape known in the art.
[0039] The polycrystalline diamond elements may be arranged in any
pattern, layout, spacing or staggering within the linear bearing to
provide the desired interfacing of contact, without concern for the
need for overlapping contact with polycrystalline diamond elements
engagement surfaces on the opposing bearing surface. The
polycrystalline diamond elements disclosed herein are, in some
embodiments, not shaped to conform to the opposing bearing surface.
The polycrystalline diamond elements disclosed herein are, in other
embodiments, shaped to conform to the opposing bearing surface.
[0040] One performance criterion is that the polycrystalline
diamond element is configured and positioned in such a way as to
preclude any edge contact with the opposing bearing surface. In
some aspects, the polycrystalline diamond elements are subjected to
edge radius treatment.
[0041] In certain applications, the polycrystalline diamond, or at
least the engagement surface thereof, is lapped or polished,
optionally highly lapped or highly polished. Although highly
polished polycrystalline diamond is used in at least some
applications, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to highly
polished polycrystalline diamond and includes polycrystalline
diamond that is highly lapped or polished. As used herein, a
surface is defined as "highly lapped" if the surface has a surface
finish of 20 .mu.in or about 20 .mu.in, such as a surface finish
ranging from about 18 to about 22 .mu.in. As used herein, a surface
is defined as "polished" if the surface has a surface finish of
less than about 10 .mu.in, or of from about 2 to about 10 .mu.in.
As used herein, a surface is defined as "highly polished" if the
surface has a surface finish of less than about 1 .mu.tin, or from
about 0.5 .mu.in to less than about 2 .mu.in. In some aspects, the
polycrystalline diamond engagement surfaces disclosed herein have a
surface finish ranging from 0.5 .mu.in to 40 .mu.in, or from 2
.mu.in to 30 .mu.in, or from 5 .mu.in to 20 .mu.in, or from 8
.mu.in to 15 .mu.in, or less than 20 .mu.in, or less than 10 pin,
or less than 2 .mu.pin, or any range therebetween. Without being
bound by theory, it is believed that polycrystalline diamond that
has been polished to a surface finish of 0.5 .mu.in has a
coefficient of friction that is about half of standard lapped
polycrystalline diamond with a surface finish of 20-40 .mu.in. U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,447,208 and 5,653,300 to Lund et al., the entireties of
which are incorporated herein by reference, provide disclosure
relevant to polishing of polycrystalline diamond. As would be
understood by one skilled in the art, surface finish, also referred
to as surface texture or surface topography, is a characteristic of
a surface as defined by lay, surface roughness, and waviness.
Surface finish may be determined in accordance with ASME
B46.1-2009. Surface finish may be measured with a profilometer,
laser microscope, or with Atomic Force Microscopy, for example. In
some embodiments, the opposing engaging surface has a surface
finish of from 0.5 to 2,000 .mu.in, or from 1 to 1,900 .mu.in, or
from 5 to 1,500 .mu.in, or from 10 to 1,200 .mu.in, or from 50 to
1,000 .mu.in, or from 100 to 800 .mu.in, or from 200 to 600 .mu.in.
In some embodiments, the opposing engagement surface has a surface
finish that is greater than the engagement surface (i.e.,
rougher).
Opposing Engagement Surface
[0042] The opposing bearing surface is a surface of a diamond
reactive material. As used herein, a "diamond reactive material" is
a material that contains more than trace amounts of diamond
catalyst or diamond solvent, which are also referred to as "diamond
catalyst-solvent,", "catalyst-solvent," "diamond solvent-catalyst,"
or "solvent-catalyst." Some examples of known solvent-catalysts are
disclosed in: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,655,845; 3,745,623; 7,198,043;
8,627,904; 5,385,715; 8,485,284; 6,814,775; 5,271,749; 5,948,541;
4,906,528; 7,737,377; 5,011,515; 3,650,714; 2,947,609; and
8,764,295. As used herein, a diamond reactive material that
contains more than "trace amounts" of diamond catalyst or diamond
solvent, is a material that contains at least 2 percent by weight
(wt. %) diamond catalyst or diamond solvent based on a total weight
of the diamond reactive material. In some aspects, the diamond
reactive materials disclosed herein contain from 2 to 100 wt. %, or
from 5 to 95 wt. %, or from 10 to 90 wt. %, or from 15 to 85 wt. %,
or from 20 to 80 wt. %, or from 25 to 75 wt. %, or from 25 to 70
wt. %, or from 30 to 65 wt. %, or from 35 to 60 wt. %, or from 40
to 55 wt. %, or from 45 to 50 wt. % of diamond catalyst or diamond
solvent based on a total weight of the diamond reactive material.
As would be understood by one skilled in the art, diamond
solvent-catalysts are chemical elements, compounds, or materials
(e.g., metals) that are capable of reacting with polycrystalline
diamond (e.g., catalyzing and/or solubilizing), resulting in the
graphitization of the polycrystalline diamond, such as under load
and at a temperature at or exceeding the graphitization temperature
of diamond (i.e., about 700.degree. C.). Thus, diamond reactive
materials include materials that, under load and at a temperature
at or exceeding the graphitization temperature of diamond, can lead
to wear, sometimes rapid wear, and failure of components formed of
or including polycrystalline diamond, such as diamond tipped tools.
Diamond reactive materials include, but are not limited to, metals,
metal alloys, and composite materials that contain more than trace
amounts of diamond solvent-catalysts. In some aspects, the diamond
reactive materials are in the form of hardfacings, coatings, or
platings. Some exemplary diamond solvent-catalysts include iron,
cobalt, nickel, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, chromium, manganese,
copper, titanium, tantalum, and alloys thereof. Thus, a diamond
reactive material may be a material that includes more than trace
amounts of iron, cobalt, nickel, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium,
chromium, manganese, copper, titanium, tantalum, or alloys thereof
One exemplary diamond reactive material is steel. In some aspects,
the diamond reactive material is a superalloy including, but not
limited to, an iron-based superalloy, a cobalt-based superalloy, or
a nickel-based superalloy. In certain aspects, the diamond reactive
material is not and/or does not include (i.e., specifically
excludes) so called "superhard materials." As would be understood
by one skilled in the art, "superhard materials" are a category of
materials defined by the hardness of the material, which may be
determined in accordance with the Brinell, Rockwell, Knoop and/or
Vickers scales. For example, superhard materials include materials
with a hardness value exceeding 40 gigapascals (GPa) when measured
by the Vickers hardness test. As used herein, "superhard materials"
are materials that are at least as hard as tungsten carbide,
including tungsten carbide tiles and cemented tungsten carbide,
such as is determined in accordance with one of these hardness
scales. One skilled in the art would understand that a Brinell
scale test may be performed, for example, in accordance with ASTM
E10-18; the Vickers hardness test may be performed, for example, in
accordance with ASTM E92-17; the Rockwell hardness test may be
performed, for example, in accordance with ASTM E18; and the Knoop
hardness test may be performed, for example, in accordance with
ASTM E384-17. The "superhard materials" disclosed herein include,
but are not limited to, tile tungsten carbide, cemented tungsten
carbide, infiltrated tungsten carbide matrix, silicon carbide,
silicon nitride, cubic boron nitride, and polycrystalline diamond.
Thus, in some aspects, the "diamond reactive material" is partially
or entirely composed of material(s) (e.g., metal, metal alloy,
composite) that is softer (less hard) than superhard materials,
such as less hard than tungsten carbide (e.g., tile or cemented),
as determined in accordance with one of these hardness tests, such
as the Brinell scale.
[0043] The opposing bearing surface is or includes a metal or metal
alloy that contains at least 2 wt. % of a diamond solvent-catalyst
based on a total weight of the metal or metal alloy. The diamond
solvent-catalyst may be iron, cobalt, nickel, ruthenium, rhodium,
palladium, chromium, manganese, copper, titanium, tantalum, or
alloys thereof The opposing bearing surface is or includes a metal
or metal alloy that contains from 2 to 100 wt. %, or from 5 to 95
wt. %, or from 10 to 90 wt. %, or from 15 to 85 wt. %, or from 20
to 80 wt. %, or from 25 to 75 wt. %, or from 25 to 70 wt. %, or
from 30 to 65 wt. %, or from 35 to 60 wt. %, or from 40 to 55 wt.
%, or from 45 to 50 wt. % of diamond solvent-catalyst based on a
total weight of the metal or metal alloy (e.g., from 2 to 100 wt.
%, of iron, cobalt, nickel, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium,
chromium, manganese, copper, titanium, tantalum, or alloys
thereof).
[0044] In some aspects, the opposing bearing surface has carbon
applied thereto. In some such aspects, the carbon is applied to the
opposing bearing surface prior to engagement with the diamond
bearing surface. For example, the opposing bearing surface may be
saturated with carbon. Without being bound by theory, it is
believed that such application of carbon reduces the ability of the
diamond solvent-catalyst in the opposing bearing surface to attract
carbon through graphitization of the surface of the polycrystalline
diamond element. That is, the carbon that is applied to the
opposing bearing surface functions as a sacrificial layer of
carbon. In addition, the opposing surface may be treated via any of
the methods disclosed and described in the '758 Application. The
opposing bearing surfaces disclosed herein may be surfaces that
contain at least 2 wt. % of diamond solvent-catalyst.
[0045] In some embodiments, the opposing bearing surface is a
treated surface in accordance with U.S. patent application Ser. No.
16/425,758. For example, the opposing bearing surface (also
referred to as the opposing engagement surface) may be hardened,
such as via cold working and work hardening processes including
burnishing and shot peening; and/or heat-treating processes
including through hardening, case hardening, and subzero,
cryogenic, deep freezing treatments. Also, the opposing bearing
surface may be plated and/or coated, such as via electroplating,
electroless plating, including chromium plating, phosphating, vapor
deposition, including physical vapor deposition (PVD) and chemical
vapor deposition (CVD); or anodizing. Also, the opposing bearing
surface may be cladded, such as via roll bonding, laser cladding,
or explosive welding.
Linear Bearings
[0046] Some embodiments include a linear bearing that includes one
or more polycrystalline diamond bearing surfaces engaged with one
or more opposing bearing surfaces of diamond solvent-catalyst. In
some embodiments, the polycrystalline diamond bearing surfaces are
highly lapped surfaces, polished surfaces, or highly polished
surfaces. The polycrystalline diamond bearing surfaces of the
linear bearings are in sliding engagement with an opposing bearing
surface (i.e., opposing surface of the linear bearing) that is a
diamond solvent-catalyst surface. Depending on the desired
configuration of the linear bearing, the sliding engagement between
the diamond bearing surface and the opposing bearing surface may be
a flat surface interface, a curved (e.g., cylindrical) surface
interface, or a combination of flat and curved surface
interfaces.
[0047] FIG. 1A depicts a polycrystalline diamond bearing element
100. Polycrystalline diamond bearing element 100 has a
polycrystalline diamond 106 supported on a support 104.
Polycrystalline diamond 106 has a diamond bearing surface 102.
Diamond bearing surface 102 may be lapped, highly lapped, polished,
or highly polished.
[0048] FIG. 1B depicts a linear bearing 108. Linear bearing 108
includes surface 110 of body. A plurality of polycrystalline
diamond bearing elements 100 are coupled with surface 110, each
having a diamond bearing surface 102. The plurality of
polycrystalline diamond bearing elements 100 may be coupled with
surface 110 such that diamond bearing surfaces 102 are raised above
surface 110, or such that diamond bearing surfaces 102 are flush
with surface 110. As shown in FIG. 1B, the polycrystalline diamond
bearing elements 100 may be arranged in a staggered pattern of rows
on surface 110. The present disclosure is, of course, not limited
to this arrangement, and the polycrystalline diamond bearing
elements may be arranged in other patterns, or may be arranged
randomly.
[0049] FIG. 1C depicts a side view of the polycrystalline diamond
bearing element 100 of FIG. 1A, including polycrystalline diamond
106 having diamond bearing surface 102 and supported on support
104.
[0050] FIG. 1D depicts a side of a bearing assembly 1000 that
includes the linear bearing 108 of FIG. 1B engaged with an opposing
bearing element 112 (or opposing component) that has opposing
bearing surface 114. Opposing bearing surface 114 is a surface of
diamond solvent-catalyst material.
[0051] In the embodiment of FIG. 1D, the plurality of
polycrystalline diamond bearing elements 100 are coupled with
surface 110 such that the diamond bearing surfaces 102 are raised
above surface 110. Thus, when linear bearing 108 is engaged with
opposing bearing element 112, diamond bearing surfaces 102 engage
with opposing bearing surface 114, but surface 110 is spaced apart
from and not engaged with opposing bearing surface 114. However,
the present disclosure is not limited to this particular
arrangement, and the plurality of polycrystalline diamond bearing
elements may be coupled with the surface of the linear bearing such
that the diamond bearing surfaces are flush with the surface of the
linear bearing. In such flush-mounted embodiments, the diamond
bearing surfaces and the surface of the linear bearing would both
be in contact with the opposing bearing surface (optionally,
simultaneously). While opposing bearing surface 114 is shown as a
single surface, the present disclosure is not limited to this
particular arrangement, and the opposing bearing surface may be
multiple, discontinuous surfaces. Also, while multiple
polycrystalline diamond elements 100 are shown as providing
multiple diamond bearing surfaces 102, the present disclosure is
not limited to this particular arrangement, and the diamond bearing
surface may be a single surface provided by single polycrystalline
diamond element.
[0052] Within bearing assembly 1000, linear bearing 108 and
opposing bearing element 112 are movingly (e.g., slidingly)
engaged, such that one of linear bearing 108 and opposing bearing
element 112 moves (e.g., slides) relative to the other.
[0053] FIG. 2A depicts linear bearing 208, including surface 210. A
plurality of polycrystalline diamond bearing elements 200 are
coupled with surface 210. Each polycrystalline diamond bearing
elements 200 includes a polycrystalline diamond 206 supported on
support 204, and each polycrystalline diamond 206 has a diamond
bearing surface 202.
[0054] FIG. 2B depicts a side of a bearing assembly 2000 that
includes the linear bearing 208 of FIG. 2A engaged with an opposing
bearing element 212 that has opposing bearing surface 214. Opposing
bearing surface 214 is a surface of diamond solvent-catalyst
material. In the embodiment of FIG. 2B, the plurality of
polycrystalline diamond bearing elements 200 are coupled with
surface 210 such that the diamond bearing surfaces 202 are raised
above surface 210. Thus, when linear bearing 208 is engaged with
opposing bearing element 212, diamond bearing surfaces 202 engage
with opposing bearing surface 214, but surface 210 is spaced apart
from and not engaged with opposing bearing surface 214. As shown in
FIG. 2B, supports 204 are at least partially embedded within
surface 210.
[0055] FIGS. 3A and 3B depict multi-surface linear bearings 308a
and 308b, respectively, with surfaces 310 and 311, and including a
bend in the surfaces 310 and 311 at angle 313. As shown in FIG. 3A,
polycrystalline diamond elements 300 (including polycrystalline
diamonds 306 on supports 304) are positioned and arranged relative
to surfaces 310 and 311 such that polycrystalline diamond elements
300 are coupled with surface 311 such that diamond bearing surfaces
302 are engaged with surface 310. As shown in FIG. 3B,
polycrystalline diamond elements 300 are positioned and arranged
relative to surfaces 310 and 311 such that polycrystalline diamond
elements 300 are coupled with surface 310 such that diamond bearing
surfaces 302 are engaged with surface 311. Thus, the
polycrystalline diamond elements 300 are arranged in linear
bearings 308a to engage with an adjacent opposing engagement
surface 310, and the polycrystalline diamond elements 300 are
arranged in linear bearings 308b to engage with an adjacent
opposing engagement surface 311. While shown as not flush-mounted
in FIGS. 3A and 3B, in some embodiments the polycrystalline diamond
elements are flush-mounted.
[0056] FIGS. 4A and 4B depict a multi-surface linear bearing 408
with non-planar surfaces 411. Polycrystalline diamond elements 400
(including polycrystalline diamonds 406 on supports 404) are
positioned and arranged on surface 411 and relative to surface 410
such that diamond bearing surfaces 402 are engaged with opposing
bearing surface 410.
[0057] FIG. 5A depicts bearing assembly 5000, including linear
bearing 508 movingly engaged with opposing bearing surface 514 of
opposing bearing element 512. FIG. 5B is a top view of linear
bearing element 508 in isolation from opposing bearing element 512.
As shown in FIG. 5A, the polycrystalline bearing elements 500
(including polycrystalline diamonds 506 on supports 504) have
curved, convex diamond bearing surfaces 502 (e.g., domed surfaces)
that are engaged within curved, concave opposing bearing surfaces
514. The polycrystalline bearing elements 500 are sized and
positioned such that surface 510 is maintained in a spaced-apart
relationship from opposing bearing surface 514 and opposing bearing
surface 515. The embodiment in FIGS. 5A and 5B have a single,
linear row of aligned polycrystalline bearing elements 500.
However, the present disclosure is not limited to such an
arrangement, and may include multiple rows of polycrystalline
bearing elements.
[0058] As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the polycrystalline diamond
bearing elements are not limited to being positioned on only one
surface in a bearing assembly. With reference to FIG. 6A, bearing
assembly 6000 includes linear bearing 608a movingly engaged with
linear bearing 608b. Linear bearing 608a includes a single row of
polycrystalline diamond bearing elements 600a having diamond
bearing surfaces 602a. Linear bearing 608a also includes two rows
of opposing engagement surfaces 614a, one on either side of the
single row of polycrystalline diamond bearing elements 600a. Linear
bearing 608b includes two rows of polycrystalline diamond bearing
elements 600b having diamond bearing surfaces 602b. Linear bearing
608b also includes a single row of opposing engagement surfaces
614b between the two rows of polycrystalline diamond bearing
elements 600b. With linear bearing 608a movingly engaged with
linear bearing 608b, diamond bearing surfaces 602a are engaged with
opposing bearing surfaces 614b, and diamond bearing surfaces
602bare engaged with opposing bearing surfaces 614a. Thus, each of
linear bearing 608a and 608b provides diamond bearing surfaces for
engagement with opposing bearing surfaces of the opposing linear
bearing, and each of linear bearing 608a and 608b provides opposing
bearing surfaces (of diamond reactive material) for engagement with
diamond bearing surfaces of the opposing linear bearing. The
surfaces 610a and 610b are maintained in a spaced-apart
relationship from one another.
[0059] FIGS. 7A and 7B depict a bearing assembly that includes a
bearing element engaged with a tubular. Bearing assembly 7000
includes bearing element 708 movingly engaged with tubular 712.
Bearing element 708 is a hollow cylinder with the annulus of
surface 710 defining the hollow or cavity 709 of bearing element
708. A plurality of polycrystalline diamond bearing elements 700,
each including a support 704 and polycrystalline diamond 706, are
coupled with and arranged about surface 710 such that the diamond
bearing surfaces 702 thereof are positioned to face into the cavity
709 of bearing element 708. The outer surface of tubular 712
defines opposing bearing surface 714. Tubular 712 is positioned
within cavity 709 such that opposing bearing surface 714 is
circumferentially surrounded by the polycrystalline diamond bearing
elements 700 of bearing element 708. The diamond bearing surfaces
702 are positioned to engage with opposing bearing surface 714, and
extend from surface 710 such that surface 710 is maintained in a
spaced-apart relationship relative to opposing bearing surface 714.
One skilled in the art would understand that the arrangement of
FIGS. 7A and 7B could be reversed without departing from the scope
of this disclosure. That is, inner surface of the hollow cylinder
may define the opposing bearing surface, and the polycrystalline
diamond bearing elements may be positioned on the outer surface of
the tubular for engagement with the opposing bearing surface. While
tubular 712 is shown as hollow, in some embodiments, tubular 712
may be solid.
[0060] FIGS. 8A-8E depict various embodiments of the
polycrystalline diamond bearing elements disclosed herein. As is
evident from FIGS. 8A-8E, the polycrystalline diamond bearing
elements disclosed herein can have various shapes, contours, and
surface features. One skilled in the art would understand, of
course, that the polycrystalline diamond bearing elements disclosed
herein are not limited to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8A-8E.
FIG. 8A depicts polycrystalline diamond bearing element 800a,
including polycrystalline diamond 806 supported on support element
804. Polycrystalline diamond 806 has a curved or beveled edge 803
and a straight edge 801, as well as polycrystalline diamond bearing
surface 802. Such curvature or beveling may preclude edge contact
between the polycrystalline diamond 806 and the opposing bearing
surface in certain applications. The polycrystalline diamond
bearing element 800b of FIG. 8B is substantially similar to that of
FIG. 8A, with the exception that polycrystalline diamond bearing
element 800b has curved or beveled edge 805 that is curved or
beveled at a different angle relative to diamond bearing surface
802 than curved or beveled edge 803. The polycrystalline diamond
bearing element 800c of FIG. 8C is substantially similar to that of
FIG. 8A, with the exception that polycrystalline diamond bearing
element 800c has curved or beveled edge 807 that is curved or
beveled at a different angle relative to diamond bearing surface
802 than curved or beveled edge 803. Also, curved or beveled edge
807 extends to support 804 and lacks a straight edge portion,
whereas, the polycrystalline diamond 806 of FIG. 8A has a straight
edge portion 801. The polycrystalline diamond bearing element 800d
of FIG. 8D is substantially similar to that of FIG. 8C, with the
exception that polycrystalline diamond bearing element 800d has
curved or beveled edge 809 that is curved or beveled at a different
angle relative to diamond bearing surface 802 than curved or
beveled edge 807. Also, the support 804 of FIG. 8D has a curved or
beveled surface 811. The polycrystalline diamond bearing element
800e of FIG. 8E is substantially similar to that of FIG. 8A, with
the exception that polycrystalline diamond bearing element 800e has
multiple, different curved or beveled edges 813, 815, and 817.
While the polycrystalline diamonds shown in the Figures are shown
as being supported on support elements, the present disclosure is
not limited to such polycrystalline diamonds, and may include
unsupported polycrystalline diamonds.
Linear Bearing Sleeves
[0061] FIGS. 9A-9D depict an exemplary application of the linear
bearings disclosed herein, as continuous sleeve bearings. Bearing
assembly 9000 includes bearing element 908 movingly engaged with
tubular 912. Bearing element 908 includes hollow cylinder 909
coupled with body 911. A polycrystalline diamond bearing element
900 is coupled with and arranged within the annulus of hollow
cylinder 909 on a surface thereof such that diamond bearing surface
902 thereof is positioned to face tubular 912. The outer surface of
tubular 912 defines opposing bearing surface 914. Tubular 912 is
positioned within the cavity of hollow tubular 909 such that
opposing bearing surface 914 is circumferentially surrounded by the
polycrystalline diamond bearing element 900. The diamond bearing
surface 902 is positioned to engage with opposing bearing surface
914. One skilled in the art would understand that the arrangement
of FIGS. 9A-9D could be reversed without departing from the scope
of this disclosure. That is, inner surface of the hollow cylinder
may define the opposing bearing surface, and the polycrystalline
diamond bearing element may be positioned on the outer surface of
the tubular for engagement with the opposing bearing surface. While
tubular 912 is shown as solid, in some embodiments, the tubular may
be hollow.
[0062] FIGS. 10A-10D depict an exemplary application of the linear
bearings disclosed herein, as open continuous sleeve bearings.
Bearing assembly 10000 includes bearing element 1008 movingly
engaged with rail 1012. Rail 1012 is similar to tubular 912, with
the exception that the tubular portion of rail 1012 is coupled with
a base 1007. Bearing element 1008 includes hollow cylinder 1009
coupled with body 1011. Hollow cylinder 1009 is similar to hollow
cylinder 909, with the exception that hollow cylinder 1009 is open
on one side 1003. Also, body 1011 is similar to body 911, with the
exception that body 1011 is open on one side 1005. A
polycrystalline diamond bearing element 1000 is coupled with and
arranged within the annulus of hollow cylinder 1009 on a surface
thereof such that diamond bearing surface 1002 thereof is
positioned to face rail 1012. The outer surface of rail 1012
defines opposing bearing surface 1014. Rail 1012 is positioned
within the cavity of hollow tubular 1009 such that opposing bearing
surface 1014 is circumferentially surrounded by the polycrystalline
diamond bearing element 1000. The diamond bearing surface 1002 is
positioned to engage with opposing bearing surface 1014. One
skilled in the art would understand that the arrangement of FIGS.
10A-10D could be reversed without departing from the scope of this
disclosure. That is, inner surface of the hollow cylinder may
define the opposing bearing surface, and the polycrystalline
diamond bearing element may be positioned on the outer surface of
the tubular for engagement with the opposing bearing surface.
Applications
[0063] The present disclosure provides for linear bearings that may
exhibit: (1) a low coefficient of friction during use; (2) a long
operational life; (3) less susceptibility to point loading; (4) the
ability to withstand contamination without an unacceptable increase
in wear; (5) the ability to operate successfully without
lubrication; or (6) combinations thereof In some embodiments, the
linear bearings disclosed herein exhibit a coefficient of friction
(CoF) of 0.1 or less, or 0.05 or less, or 0.01 or less, or from
0.01 to 0.1.
[0064] In certain embodiments, the linear bearings disclosed herein
are suitable for use in machine tool ways, precision positioning
tables, robotics, additive manufacturing printers, transfer
shuttles, food processing equipment, and semi-conductor
manufacturing. The linear bearings disclosed herein are, of course,
not limited to these particular exemplary applications, and may be
used in other applications where linear bearings are used, such as
the applications disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 2,693,396; 3,582,161;
3,603,652; 3,752,541; 5,193,363; 4,428,627; 9,222,515; and
5,618,114. In some embodiments, the linear bearings disclosed
herein are linear-motion bearings or linear slides configured to
provide free linear motion in two opposing directions along an
axis. In some such embodiments, the linear bearings disclosed
herein are used to provide bearing to motorized components. In
other embodiments, the linear bearings disclosed herein are plain
bearings, such as dovetail slides, compound slides or rack slides.
In some embodiments, the linear bearings disclosed herein are used
as bearings for relatively heavy and/or large structures, such as
to provide load sliding capabilities to such structures. For
example, the linear bearings disclosed herein may be used on skid
plates for moving heavy equipment, such as for moving oilfield
rigs. The linear bearings disclosed herein may be used to provide
sliding capabilities to large structures, such as expansion joints
in bridges, buildings, and pipeline support structures; thereby,
providing for movement of such structures.
Embodiments
[0065] Certain embodiments will now be described.
[0066] Embodiment 1. A linear bearing assembly, the assembly
comprising: a linear bearing comprising a body having a surface; a
polycrystalline diamond bearing element coupled with the surface,
wherein the polycrystalline diamond bearing element has a
polycrystalline diamond bearing surface; an opposing component, the
opposing component having an opposing bearing surface thereon, the
opposing bearing surface comprising a material containing at least
2 weight percent of diamond solvent-catalyst based on a total
weight of the material; wherein the linear bearing is movably
coupled with the opposing component such that the polycrystalline
diamond bearing surface is engaged with the diamond
solvent-catalyst.
[0067] Embodiment 2. The assembly of embodiment 1, wherein the
polycrystalline diamond bearing surface has a surface finish of
less than 5 .mu.in.
[0068] Embodiment 3. The assembly of any of embodiments 1 or 2,
wherein the opposing bearing surface is hardened, plated, coated,
or cladded.
[0069] Embodiment 4. The assembly of any of embodiments 1 to 3,
wherein the material of the opposing bearing surface comprises from
5 to 100 wt. % of the diamond solvent-catalyst based on the total
weight of the material.
[0070] Embodiment 5. The assembly of any of embodiments 1 to 4,
wherein the diamond solvent-catalyst comprises iron, cobalt,
nickel, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, chromium, manganese, copper,
titanium, or tantalum.
[0071] Embodiment 6. The assembly of any of embodiments 1 to 5,
wherein the material of the opposing bearing surface is softer than
a superhard material.
[0072] Embodiment 7. The assembly of any of embodiments 1 to 6,
wherein the linear bearing assembly is lubricated.
[0073] Embodiment 8. The assembly of any of embodiments 1 to 6,
wherein the linear bearing assembly is non-lubricated.
[0074] Embodiment 9. The assembly of any of embodiments 1 to 8,
wherein the polycrystalline diamond bearing surface is in direct
contact with the opposing bearing surface.
[0075] Embodiment 10. The assembly of any of embodiments 1 to 8,
wherein a fluid film is positioned between the polycrystalline
diamond bearing surface and the opposing bearing surface.
[0076] Embodiment 11. The assembly of any of embodiments 1 to 10,
wherein the polycrystalline diamond bearing surface is flush with
the surface of the body.
[0077] Embodiment 12. The assembly of any of embodiments 1 to 10,
wherein the polycrystalline diamond bearing surface is raised above
the surface of the body.
[0078] Embodiment 13. The assembly of any of embodiments 1 to 12,
wherein the polycrystalline diamond bearing surface is planar,
convex, or concave.
[0079] Embodiment 14. The assembly of any of embodiments 1 to 13,
wherein the polycrystalline diamond bearing element is positioned
such the surface of the body is maintained in a spaced-apart
relationship from the opposing bearing surface.
[0080] Embodiment 15. The assembly of any of embodiments 1 to 14,
wherein the polycrystalline diamond bearing element is raised above
the surface of the body, and wherein the opposing bearing surface
is a concavity in the opposing component.
[0081] Embodiment 16. The assembly of any of embodiments 1 to 15,
wherein the body of the linear bearing has a second opposing
bearing surface thereon, wherein the opposing component has a
second polycrystalline diamond bearing element thereon, and wherein
a polycrystalline diamond bearing surface of the second
polycrystalline diamond bearing element is engaged with the second
opposing bearing surface.
[0082] Embodiment 17. The assembly of any of embodiments 1 to 16,
wherein the linear bearing is a hollow cylinder with the surface of
the body defining the annulus of the hollow cylinder, wherein the
opposing component is a tubular positioned within the annulus of
the hollow cylinder, and wherein the outer surface of the tubular
is the opposing bearing surface thereon.
[0083] Embodiment 18. The assembly of any of embodiments 1 to 16,
wherein the opposing component is a hollow cylinder with the
opposing bearing surface defining the annulus of the hollow
cylinder, wherein the linear bearing is a tubular positioned within
the annulus of the hollow cylinder, and wherein the outer surface
of the tubular is the surface of the body.
[0084] Embodiment 19. The assembly of any of embodiments 1, to 18
wherein the polycrystalline diamond bearing element has at least
one curved or beveled edge.
[0085] Embodiment 20. A method of bearing load, the method
comprising: providing a linear bearing comprising a body having a
surface and a polycrystalline diamond bearing element coupled with
the surface, wherein the polycrystalline diamond bearing element
has a polycrystalline diamond bearing surface; providing an
opposing component having an opposing bearing surface thereon, the
opposing bearing surface comprising a material containing at least
2 weight percent of diamond solvent-catalyst based on a total
weight of the material; movably coupling the linear bearing with
the opposing component such that the polycrystalline diamond
bearing surface is engaged with the diamond solvent-catalyst.
[0086] Embodiment 21. A linear bearing assembly, the assembly
comprising: a linear bearing comprising a body having a surface; a
plurality of polycrystalline diamond bearing elements coupled with
the surface, wherein each polycrystalline diamond bearing element
has a polycrystalline diamond bearing surface; an opposing
component, the opposing component having an opposing bearing
surface thereon, the opposing bearing surface comprising a material
containing at least 2 weight percent of diamond solvent-catalyst
based on a total weight of the material; wherein the linear bearing
is movably coupled with the opposing component such that the
polycrystalline diamond bearing surfaces are engaged with the
diamond solvent-catalyst.
[0087] Although the present embodiments and advantages have been
described in detail, it should be understood that various changes,
substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing
from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Moreover, the scope of
the present application is not intended to be limited to the
particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture,
composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the
specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily
appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture,
compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently
existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the
same function or achieve substantially the same result as the
corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized
according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appended
claims are intended to include within their scope such processes,
machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or
steps.
* * * * *